On Saturday, November 5, 2022, William Robert Winstanley, Vietnam veteran, pilot, loving husband, father of two children and grandfather of seven, passed away at the age 79.
Bill was born on Feb 4, 1943 in Hastings on Hudson, NY to William and Viola Winstanley.
Bill was the eldest of 9 children and graduated from high school in Hastings on Hudson, NY.
At the age of 21, Bill Winstanley enlisted in the Army and was trained as a helicopter pilot and was flying in combat zones during the Vietnam War. As part of his service, Bill flew over 4000 hours in the air over the duration of his Army career, most commonly in a Bell UH-1 Iroquois, aka “Huey”. Bill attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer during his 5 years in the Army.
On August 17th, 1968, he married his beloved wife Carmen and were married for 54 years. They raised two sons, William and Edward.
Bill’s passion for flying continued after Vietnam and Bill flew whirly birds professionally for companies. He taxied executives to meetings and carried famous musicians such as Jefferson Airplane to concerts. He was known to do impromptu trips in helicopters visiting family and friends. A family favorite tour was flying around the NYC skyline. His youngest passengers were his sons and their guests for birthday party helicopter rides.
Bill flew helicopters and simultaneously used his GI bill to obtain his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Pace University and became a CPA. Bill changed his profession from Helicopter pilot to work in Big 4 accounting, private CPA practice, finance and government as an Accountant (CPA), Controller and Comptroller.
Bill and Carmen lived for 6 years in Arizona and he picked up flying small prop planes and achieved certified flight instructor status. During this time he volunteered for Flying Samaritans Arizona and flew small planes into the remote areas of Baja Mexico where he brought medical and dental professionals so they could provide care to the local population. Bill greatly enjoyed helping others.
Bill was known for his BBQs and was a master cook in the kitchen. He also enjoyed spending time with family, boating, fishing and was an expert marksmen.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, William, his mother, Viola, his brothers Doug and Peter. He is survived by his wife Carmen, his two children, William and Edward, his brothers, Roger, Richard, Ken and Michael and sisters, Eileen and Carol, and grandchildren, Jacob, Jack, Sean, Luca, Connor, Lauren and Ian, cousins, nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 14th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Beecher Flooks Funeral Home, 418 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville, NY 10570.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 15th at 11:00am at St. Matthews Church, 616 Warburton Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY.
Flowers may be sent to Beecher Flooks at 418 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville, NY 10570.